Aaron Bernstine

SLIPPERY ROCK — Residents in Pennsylvania’s 10th House District have a new representative to the General Assembly, after Lawrence County businessman and farmer Aaron Bernstine mounted a successful challenge to incumbent Democrat Jaret Gibbons, D-10th.

Tuesday night’s result was the end to a race in which the candidates focused on job growth and preparing for a multi-billion-dollar “cracker” plant Shell is bringing to Beaver County. Bernstine, in calling for better jobs and a better plan for the 10th District, pledged to work hand-in-hand with businesses to find the best way to grow the district’s workforce.

Bernstine, 32, kicked off his campaign last spring by touting his status as an outsider in Harrisburg and appealing to voters sick of “career politicians and insiders.” He romped to an easy victory in a crowded Republican primary election in April. Now he has unseated Gibbons, a three-term state legislator who was elected in 2006 after defeating 20-year incumbent Frank LaGrotta for the Democratic nomination.

The 10th state House District includes portions of Butler, Beaver and Lawrence counties. Bernstine beat Gibbons in all three, according to unofficial vote tallies posted online Tuesday night.

In Butler County Bernstine won 2,222 votes, or 60 percent, to Gibbons’ 1,463 votes, or 39.6 percent.

In Beaver County Bernstine won 6,136 votes, or 54.5 percent, to Gibbons’ 5,103 votes, or 45.3 percent.

In Lawrence County Bernstine won 6,719 votes, or 62.7 percent, to Gibbons’ 4,019 votes, or 37 percent.

Neither Bernstine nor Gibbons returned phone calls Tuesday night seeking comment on the election results.